There are several examples of shame being a partner to the soldiers as they attempt to cope with war. For example, the men carry good luck charms or personal items in an effort to keep their connection to their real life back home. Therefore, superstition plays a role in how the men feel about being on the battlefield. In fact, it is a strong influence in the story. The items of loved ones are used as a way to shield the men from harm, instead of admitting they are afraid, which would be shamful, they cling to objects, for strength.
"Henry Dobbins, for example, the biggest man in the group, carries the M-60 machine gun, ‘‘which weighed 23 pounds unloaded, but which was almost always loaded.’’ He also ''carried his girlfriend's pantyhose wrapped around his neck as a comforter.''
At the end of the story, Lieutenant cross gets rid of all his mementos, deciding to put his daydreaming aside and concentrate on his job. He is ashamed of himself. Like the other men, Cross, had held onto to letters and pictures as a means of calming the unbridled fear that accompanies war and combat.
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